2018-2019 official rule book nhd logo - illinois · 2018-11-15 · nhd logo. 6 . contest and...

2018-2019 Official Rule Book

http://www.illinois.gov/alplm

http://www.nhd.org/about

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Dear Students and Educators—

Welcome to the 2018-2019 season of Illinois History Day! Thank you for participating

in the 72nd Illinois History Day. My name is Abigail Cline and I am the new Education

Coordinator here at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. For a little

bit of background on who I am and where I come from, I was born in Springfield, IL, I

received my BA in History and Theater from Monmouth College in 2012 and my MA in

Public History from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 2015. I have been with the

ALPLM since 2010 working in the theater department and on August 20th made the

exciting transition to the education department. I have served as a judge at past IHD state

competitions, so I am not a complete stranger to the IHD process.

We would like to take a moment to highlight a few changes we’ve made to the rule book

this year:

• The 2017-2018 rule limiting students to one entry per contest year

remains. Students are only allowed to submit one project total to the

competition. They may not submit one project in multiple categories nor

can they submit one project as an individual and submit as part of a

group. We understand that some schools have their students create

multiple project types. Students will have to choose which project they

wish to submit before registering for regionals.

• Illinois History Day exhibits will not be limited to 500 words this year.

We strongly suggest limiting student-created words to no more than

2,000. Note that if your project is NHD-eligible and it advances to the

national competition you will be required to reduce your word count to

500 to meet NHD contest rules.

• As a reminder, students will not be able to print at the Convention Center.

If students need to print materials on the day of the State Contest they will

be sent to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.

Educators, you can request a Google Hangout session or webinar with the History Day

staff at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to answer any History

Day questions you and/or your students may have about any part of the project creation

process.

We are excited to start another Illinois History Day season with you all! We cannot wait

to see what you have in store for us this year. Good luck and happy History Day!

Sincerely,

Abigail Cline

State Coordinator

What’s New in 2018!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Illinois History Day……………………………………………………....3

Regional Map of Illinois ………………………………………………...4

National History Day…………………………………………………….5

Contest and Category Rules……………………………………………...6

General Contest Rules…………………………………………....7

Category Rules…………………………………………………...9

Registration Guidelines………………………………………….15

Summary Statement Form………………………………………16

Getting Started…………………………………………………………..18

Topic Selection………………………………………………….19

Thesis Development…………………………………………….23

Worksheets……………………………………………………...24

Research/Citations………………………………………………34

Best Practices……………………………………………………………37

Research Paper…………………….……………………………38

Exhibit……….………………………………………………….41

Performance…………………………………………………….43

Documentary……………………………………………………45

Website…………………………………………………………47

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ILLINOIS HISTORY DAY

Illinois History Day began in 1947 as a publication entitled Illinois Junior Historian

and later Illinois History sponsored by the Illinois State Historical Society. By 1963

the monthly essay and art contest for the magazine soon grew into physical fairs

where students could show off their talents and craftsmanship.

Illinois History Day is an annual state-wide academic competition in which students

can create a wide variety of projects (exhibit, research paper, website, documentary,

or performance) about an aspect of Illinois history. Students from sixth grade through

eighth grade participate in the Junior Division and students from ninth grade through

twelfth grade participate in the Senior Division.

Illinois History Day consists of four regions; Northern, Central, Southern, and

Chicago Metro. Students will participate in their respective regional competitions in

hopes of being selected to participate in the state competition held in Springfield on

the first Thursday in May.

Students must ensure that their projects meet the qualifications listed in this

handbook. Projects will be assessed based on historical accuracy, clarity in argument,

relevance to Illinois, and the overall quality of the presentation.

Click the link below for Illinois History Day resources.

https://www2.illinois.gov/alplm/museum/Education/ilhistoryday/Pages/ILHistoryDayResources.aspx

https://www2.illinois.gov/ihpa/Involved/Students/Documents/Expo_Summary_Form.pdf

http://www.eiu.edu/past_tracker/index.php

https://www2.illinois.gov/alplm/museum/Education/ilhistoryday/Pages/ILHistoryDayResources.aspx

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Illinois History Day Dates to Remember

Illinois History Day is Thursday, May 2, 2019

1. Northern •Registration deadline: December 8, 2018 •Papers and websites due: January 4, 2019 •Fair Date: February 23, 2019 •Contact: Lise Schlosser [email protected]

*Chicago Metro Area •Fair Dates: February 23 – Suburban Senior March 9 – City Senior March 30 – Metro Juniors April 9 - Metro Senior Finals • Contact: Lisa Oppenheim [email protected]

3. Southern •Registration deadline: February 1, 2019 •Research Papers due: March 8, 2019 •Fair Date: March 23, 2019 •Contact: Natasha Zaretsky [email protected]

2. Central •Registration deadline: February 1, 2019 •Papers and websites due: February 8, 2019 •Fair Date: March 9, 2019 •Contact: Abby Cline [email protected]

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NATIONAL HISTORY DAY

National History Day (NHD) is similar to Illinois History in many ways, students complete a project

(research paper, exhibit, website, documentary, or performance) at a regional or state level in hopes

of making it to the final stage of competition. Students from all over the country come together in

June to present their projects, projects that have been judged to be the best in their state. If you want

the chance to compete at a higher level

NHD institutes an annual theme that students must work into their topic, the theme for the 2018-

2019 year is Triumph and Tragedy. Illinois students who choose to participate in NHD must

apply the annual theme to their project as well as the required focus on Illinois history. Illinois

students have the option to opt-in to the National History Day program but it is not a requirement.

When registering for the regional contest, you must indicate on your registration form your NHD

status.

A panel of upstate and downstate coordinators with National History Day experience will select

those advancing to the national competition from those who are registered to compete. Be sure to

check with the NHD Contest Guide to be certain of all the requirements for NHD. Ensuring that

projects comply with NHD requirements is the responsibility of the educator.

Students must indicate they wish to be eligible for NHD consideration when they register for the

regional history fair. Students cannot register for NHD after the regional history fair.

Copies of the NHD Contest Guide are available on the National History Day website.

For more information contact Abby Cline at [email protected].

To learn more about National History Day, Click Here To view the NHD Rule Book, Click Here

http://www.nhd.org/about http://www.nhd.org/sites/default/

files/Contest-Rule-Book.pdf

http://www.nhd.org/about

http://www.nhd.org/sites/default/files/Contest-Rule-Book.pdf

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CONTEST AND

CATEGORY RULES

REGISTRATION

SUMMARY

STATEMENT FORM

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ILLINOIS HISTORY DAY REGIONAL & ILLINOIS HISTORY DAY

CONTEST RULES

General Contest Rules for All Categories

Rule #1: All contestants must be in Grades 6-12. Students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 must enter the Junior Division.

Students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 must enter the Senior Division.

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Rule #2: No student may participate in more than one entry. Group projects are still encouraged.

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Rule #3: A paper, individual exhibit, individual performance, individual website, and individual documentary

must be the work of one (1) student. A group exhibit, group performance, group website, and group

documentary must be the work of two (2) to five (5) students.

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Rule #4: All entries must show student research on some aspect of local or state history of Illinois. All entries

must be student-produced and constructed.

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Rule #5: Students are not allowed to resubmit another student's project or a project that they submitted from a

previous year's fair.

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Rule #6: All students must adhere to their school's rules and code of conduct in formulating any project and

providing its individual parts or artifacts. If you have questions, request permission from your teacher.

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Rule #7: Two copies of the Summary Statement Form and Annotated Bibliography are required for Illinois

History Day competition.

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Rule #8: Securing the summary statement form & any other property (i.e. props, artifacts, etc.) are the student's

responsibility.

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Rule #9: An annotated bibliography is required for all entries. Students should refer to standard bibliographic

form such as MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers or Turabian's A Manual of Style for Writers

of Term Papers. NOTE: An annotated bibliography is distinguished from other bibliographic forms by

a brief (often two to three sentences) explanation of how the source was especially distinctive and useful

for the topic on which you have written.

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General Contest Rules for All Categories (cont.)

Rule #10: Annotated bibliographies must be divided into “primary” and “secondary” sources. Some sources

can be qualified as both, but the student must decide which category each source belongs under and

justify that decision. Do not list the same source under both.

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Rule #11: Students who receive Superior ratings on papers and websites will have three weeks from the date of

their regional to make necessary revisions before returning them to be judged for the state competition.

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Rule #12: Audio used with a project must be kept to a level which does not distract any judge from evaluating

any other project in the same project area.

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Rule #13: All exhibits, websites, documentaries, and performances must be accompanied by a completed

"Summary Statement Form" for both Regional and Illinois History Day. Papers will use a Thesis

Statement and Outline page instead of a Summary Statement form.

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Research Paper Rules

Rule #1: Papers must be written by only one student and they may submit only one paper.

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Rule #2: The text of a Junior Division or Senior Division research paper should be no less than 1,500 words and no more than 2,500 words. The same guidelines apply for National History Day entries.

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Rule #3: Papers can be about the student's own community, region, or the state of Illinois as a whole.

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Rule #4: Papers must have a cover sheet including the following information: Title, Student Name, School, Division, Word Count, and NHD Status (indicate if project is competing for NHD).

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Rule #5: Research papers must begin with a single, separate sheet including a Thesis Statement and an Outline, in place of the Summary Statement Form. The Thesis Statement should be a paragraph of two to three sentences declaring what question or questions you hope to answer in the following paper. The Outline should contain no more than five subheadings. This does not count towards the student-composed word count.

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Rule #6: All research papers must contain an annotated bibliography. Students are encouraged to follow the style found in Turabian's A Manual of Style for Writers of Term Papers, or MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. Lack of a bibliography will result in automatic disqualification. Use of style must be consistent throughout.

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Rule #7: Papers MUST have footnotes or endnotes. Specific information on footnote form is available in Turabian's A Manual of Style for Writers of Term Papers or MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is acceptable. Parenthetical citations will not be accepted. NOTE: The page numbers that were used must be given in the footnote or endnote citation; if reference material came from a vertical file where no page numbers were available, please indicate that no page numbers were given.

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Rule #8: Papers must be typed and double-spaced.

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Rule #9: Papers advancing to the state competition must be submitted as a PDF. Entries submitted through

Google Drive will not be accepted.

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Individual and Group Exhibit Rules

Rule #1: A group may range from two (2) to five (5) students. Performances may also be created by an individual

student.

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Rule #2: All exhibits must be constructed by the individual/students and have a maximum of 2500 words on the

exhibit panels. The point of research and planning in the exhibit category is to condense and synthesize

the topic into a visual presentation that is self-explanatory.

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Rule #3: An exhibit may contain additional written material, but it must take the form of captions and/or labels,

documents, oral history, quotations, etc.

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Rule #4: Exhibit entries should be no more than 40" wide, 30" deep, and 6' high. Any project which does not

comply with these sizes cannot receive a "Superior."

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Rule #5: An exhibit must have an annotated bibliography. Students should refer to Turabian's A Manual of Style

for Writers of Term Papers, or MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, to determine the correct

bibliographic form.

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Rule #6: Exhibits must be visual and stationary. The use of media devices must be integral and functional to the

project and must not run for more than three (3) minutes. Judges must be able to operate all media

devices.

NOTE: Projects that use media devices which run for more than three (3) minutes will not qualify for a "Superior"

rating.

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Rule #7: Exhibits can be about the student's own community, region, or the state of Illinois as a whole.

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Rule #8: Exhibits must have an annotated bibliography. Students should refer to Turabian's A Manual of Style

for Writers of Term Papers, or MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, to determine the correct

bibliographic form.

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Rule #9: A "Summary Statement Form" must be included with all exhibits.

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Individual and Group Performance Rules

Rule #1: A group may range from two (2) to five (5) students. Performances may also be created by an individual

student.

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Rule #2: Performances must be the creation of the contestants. Additional recorded music, photographs, slides,

etc., must be fully credited within the bibliography.

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Rule #3: Performances can be about the student's own community, region, or the state of Illinois as a whole.

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Rule #4: Students will be allowed five (5) minutes to set up, ten (10) minutes to perform, and five (5) minutes

to remove any props after the performance is over. Performances that exceed the time limits will not be

eligible to receive a "Superior" rating.

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Rule #5: Students must supply their own equipment and props.

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Rule #6: Use of computers or other media devices as accompaniment or a supplement to the live performance

is permitted. Supplemental visual material must be integral to the performance, and is the responsibility

of the student. Only participating students may be able to control these elements.

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Rule #7: Performances must have an annotated bibliography. Students should refer to Turabian's A Manual of

Style for Writers of Term Papers, or MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, to determine the

correct bibliographic form.

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Rule #8: A "Summary Statement Form" must be submitted to the judges prior to performance.

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Rule #9: Students will be assigned a time for their performance. Performances are open to the public.

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Rule #10: Students should be available in the contest area twenty (20) minutes prior to their performance.

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Individual and Group Documentary Rules

Rule #1: A group may range from two (2) to five (5) students. Documentaries may also be created by an

individual student.

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Rule #2: Documentaries can be about the student's own community, region, or the state of Illinois as a whole.

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Rule #3: All documentaries must be accompanied by a "Summary Statement Form."

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Rule #4: A maximum of five (5) minutes is given to set up, a maximum of ten (10) minutes for the presentation,

and a maximum of five (5) minutes is given to take down the media. Documentaries which exceed the

time limits will not be eligible to receive a "Superior" rating.

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Rule #5: Contestants may be present for the entire 20-minute presentation. Please be prepared to answer any

questions the judges may have. However, formal narratives will not be accepted.

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Rule #6: Contestants will be assigned a time for their presentation. Presentations are open to the public.

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Rule #7: Students must have an annotated bibliography. Students should refer to Turabian's A Manual of Style

for Writers of Term Papers, or MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers to determine the correct

bibliographic form.

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Rule #8: Professional photographs, slides, recorded music, etc., may be used, but such items must be integrated

into the presentation by the student producers and must be fully credited within the bibliography and are

the responsibility of the student. Students must narrate all audio portions except, for example, when

using an oral history excerpt.

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Rule #9: Added visual material is not allowed.

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Rule #10: Live involvement by students is limited to the running/operation of media devices/equipment.

Judges must be able to control all media devices if students are not present to do so.

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Rule #11: Computers, DVD players, and monitors will be provided. Any additional equipment that is required

must be provided by the student.

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Individual and Group Website Rules

Rule #1: All website entries must be original productions constructed using the NHD web site editor whether or

not the project is being considered for NHD eligibility. The Weebly builder does not require an email and

ensures even ground in website creation. Websites will also be locked from editing after their deadline,

then will be reopened to make changes suggested by regional judges. Entries submitted through other

website builders will not be accepted.

https://nhd.weebly.com/

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Rule #2: Websites can be about the student's own community, region, or the state of Illinois as a whole.

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Rule #3: A group may range from two (2) to five (5) students. Websites may also be created by an individual

student.

Rule #4: Web site entries may contain no more than 1,200 visible, student-composed words. Code used to build

the site and alternate text tags on images do not count toward the word limit. Also excluded are: words

found in materials used for identifying illustrations or used to briefly credit the sources of illustrations

and quotations; recurring menus, titles, and navigation instructions; words within primary documents and

artifacts; and the annotated bibliography and process paper that must be integrated into the site. The entire

site, including all multimedia, may use no more than 100MB of file space.

You may use professional photographs, graphics, video, recorded music, etc., within the site. Such items

must be integrated into the web site, and proper credit must be given within the site as well as in the

annotated bibliography. You must operate all software and equipment in the development of the web site.

Note: Using objects created by others for specific use in your entry violates this rule. For example, using a

graphic that others produced at your request is not permitted; however, using graphics, multimedia clips,

etc., that already exists is acceptable.

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Rule #5: The annotated bibliography and summary statement form must be included as an integrated part of the

web site. Students should refer to Turabian's A Manual of Style for Writers of Term Papers, or MLA

Handbook for Writers of Research Papers to determine the correct bibliographic form. They should be

included in the navigational structure. They do NOT count toward the 1,200 word limit.

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Rule #6: One page of the web site must serve as the “home page.” The home page must include the names of

the participants, entry title, division, school, city and state, student composed word count, and the main

menu that directs viewers to the various sections of the site. All pages must be interconnected with

hypertext links. Automatic redirects are not permitted.


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ILLINOIS HISTORY DAY REGIONAL& ILLINOIS HISTORY DAY

Individual and Group Website Rules (cont.)

Rule #7: Multimedia clips may not last more than 4 minutes TOTAL (one four-minute clip, two two-minute

clips, etc.). You may record quotes and primary source materials for dramatic effect, but you may not

narrate your own compositions or other explanatory material. All multimedia must be stored within the

site; you may not use embedded material hosted elsewhere (e.g., YouTube, Google Video). If you use

any multimedia that requires a specific software to view (e.g., Flash, QuickTime, Real Player), you

must provide on the same page a link to an Internet site where the software is available as a free, secure,

and legal download. Judges will make every effort to view all multimedia content, but files that cannot

be viewed cannot be evaluated as part of the entry.

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Rule #8: The content and appearance of a page cannot change when the page is refreshed in the browser. Random

text or image generators are not allowed.

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Rule #9: The pages that comprise the site must be viewable in a recent version of a standard web browser (e.g.,

Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari). You are responsible for ensuring that your entry is viewable

in multiple web browsers. Entries may not link to live or external sites, except to direct viewers to

software plugins, per Rule 4.

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Rule #10: You must submit the URL for the site in advance by the established deadline, after which you will be

blocked from editing your site to allow for judging. Deadlines for websites will vary by region. Because

all required written materials are integrated into the site, NO printed copies are required.

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Registration Guidelines

Educators must register their students prior to their regional competition. All registration information,

such as category and National History Day status, will remain the same for both the regional

competition and the Illinois History Day. Once the registration is complete the information will stand

for both the regional fair and Illinois History Day. Registration will not be accepted less than two

weeks before the regional competition.

Please contact your regional coordinator for registration materials and deadlines. Registration

forms may vary by region.

Information required for registration is:

• Educator/Sponsor Name

• Name and Address of sponsoring institution

• Email from Educator/Sponsor

• Project type

• Title of project

• Name(s) of student(s) involved with project

• Division (Junior/Senior)

• Indicate whether your project requires electricity

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Summary Statement Form

All Illinois History Day exhibit, website, documentary, and performance projects must have a

Summary Statement Form. Research Papers will use an Outline and Thesis page. An example Outline

and These page is shown in the Research Paper Best Practices section of this rule book. This form

helps the judges learn more about how participants selected their topics, formed their thesis

statements, and conducted their research. Participants must submit this form along with their

annotated bibliography when turning in their regional contest projects. An example of the Summary

Statement Form is below. The complete Summary Statement Form may be found at

https://www2.illinois.gov/alplm/museum/Education/ilhistoryday/Documents/Expo_Summary_Form.p

df

https://www2.illinois.gov/alplm/museum/Education/ilhistoryday/Documents/Expo_Summary_Form.pdf

https://www2.illinois.gov/alplm/museum/Education/ilhistoryday/Documents/Expo_Summary_Form.pdf

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GETTING STARTED:

TOPIC SELECTION

THESIS DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH/CITATIONS

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Getting Started:

Choosing a Project Type

Does your project have a lot of visual sources? Do you have a lot of say about your topic? Are you

comfortable performing in front of others? Do you like working with new technology? Many

different factors will go into deciding what project type you should pursue. Remember you may only

submit one project to Illinois History Day.

• Do you like to speak at length about a certain topic? Do you like working alone? Do you like

writing? Then the Research Paper is for you! Research papers can only be created by

individuals. While it is the heaviest on writing, a research paper can provide more opportunity

to go in depth about your topic with a 1,500-2,000 word count.

• Do you like using a combination of images and text to convey information? Do you like

making concise arguments? Do you want to work in a group or by yourself? Then the Exhibit

might be your best choice! Exhibits combine visual and textual elements to present a concise

argument. Exhibits are strongly encouraged to remain under a 2,000 student-composed word

count. If you decide to make your project eligible for National History Day and it advances to

the national competition, please know that you will be required to reduce your student-

composed word count to 500 words. This project type can be created by individuals or by a

group.

• Do you love performing in front of others? Do you enjoy creating skits and portraying

different characters? Do you want to work in a group or by yourself? If your inner performer

is screaming to be free, then Performance is for you! If you do not get stage fright you or up

to five of your friends can create a Performance that is no more than 10 minutes long. A

Performance is a live interpretation of a historical topic and everything from script to

costumes props is up to you.

• Do you like going through old photographs and film clips? Do you like producing short

videos for your friends and family? Do you want to work in a group or by yourself? Then

Documentary might be the category for you. Documentaries can be produced by individuals

or groups and are 10 minutes in length.

• Do you like working with different medium on the internet? Do you like working with new

technologies? Do you want to work in a group or by yourself? Then Websites might be the

category for you! Websites combine the visual elements of exhibits and the in-depth analysis

of research papers. Websites allow 1,200 student composed words.

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Getting Started:

How to Choose a Topic

Selecting a topic can be one of the hardest parts of Illinois History Day. Think about the questions

below as you start to decide on your topic. Use the worksheets at the end of this section to help you

select your topic and start developing your thesis.

• Do you find your topic interesting?

o This is more important than you think! Being stuck with a topic that you find boring or

frustrating makes research and project creation twice as hard.

• Is your topic really broad?

o Picking a topic like “Abraham Lincoln” is very broad. Ask yourself questions about

your topic to refine your research question.

• Are there enough sources to support your thesis?

o Some topics are a lot of fun, but if there are only few sources

available it will be more difficult to thoroughly prove your

argument.

• Does your project have a strong connection to Illinois?

o Some project topics have a very weak connection to Illinois history.

If your project is about someone who was simply born in Illinois

and did little within the state, consider changing your topic, or

reframe your research to focus on their time in Illinois or how their

being from Illinois adds to the state’s history.

• Is your topic engaging for others?

o Projects on family history are encouraged, but be sure to explain

why your topic should be relevant to a broader audience.

• If you are planning to enter your Illinois History Day project in the

National History Day competition, does your topic strongly relate to the

annual theme?

o The theme for the 2018-2019 NHD contest is Triumph and Tragedy

• Do you like to work by yourself or in a group?

o Research papers can only be entered by individuals while the other categories (exhibit,

performance, website, or documentary) can be entered by either individuals OR groups

(groups can consist of a of a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 5 students)

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Getting Started:

How to Choose a Topic

Illinois History Day requires that your project be about an aspect of Illinois history. This being said,

there are some topics that are covered far more often than others.

Below are the Top 25 Most Covered Topics. This by no means eliminates these topics from your

selection pool! Just keep in mind that other students are likely to cover the same subject. If you do

select one of these topics, try to find a line of inquiry that will set your project apart from the other

students.

1. Abraham Lincoln

2. Enrico Fermi/Manhattan Project

3. 1893 World’s Fair

4. 1871 Chicago Fire

5. Jane Addams/Hull House

6. Frank Lloyd Wright

7. Al Capone

8. 1909 Cherry Coal Mine Disaster

9. 1903 Iroquois Theater Fire

10. 1958 Our Lady of Angels Fire

11. Chicago Stockyards (Sinclair/The Jungle)

12. Emmitt Till

13. Pullman

14. Rockford Peaches

15. 1982 Tylenol Murder

16. Underground Railroad

17. Prohibition

18. Chicago Public Housing (Freedom Movement)

19. Walt Disney

20. John Deere

21. Starved Rock

22. 1886 Haymarket Riot

23. Daniel Burnham

24. 1919 Black Sox Scandal

25. 1968 Democratic National Convention

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Getting Started:

How to Narrow Your Topic

Illinois is full of interesting and wonderful history, but sometimes deciding what your Illinois History

Day project is about can be difficult. Some topics are incredibly broad and you may be taking on too

much if you do not narrow your focus.

Imagine you are putting your topic through a funnel. You want to start broad, a general area of

interest. Do some basic research on your topic. As you learn more about your topic, refine your

research question that will ultimately become your thesis statement.

Here are a few examples:

General Interest: Abraham Lincoln

Broad Topic: Lincoln’s Law Career

Narrow Topic: Lincoln representing riverboat men in court

Thesis Statement: Lincoln representing a bridge company in court led to

him patenting a flotation device for boats.

General Interest: Jane Addams

Broad Topic: Jane Addams and the Hull House

Narrow Topic: Jane Addams worked with children in the city

Thesis Statement: Jane Addams’s work with children lead to reform

in the juvenile justice system.

Jane Addams, 1931,

Chronicling Illinois

Abraham Lincoln, 1864,

Library of Congress

23

Illinois History Day

Thesis Statements

The key to a great Illinois History Day project is a strong thesis statement. A thesis statement is one

or two sentences placed at the start of your project that tells your reader what your project is about

and what you are trying to argue. A strong thesis statement should display why your topic is

important; what impact did it make in history? The argument in your thesis statement is strong,

should also be opinionated, someone should be able to present a counter argument. It should also be

specific and include a very brief description of your topic (including a time frame).

So, a strong thesis statement:

• Should be specific

• Should be opinionated

o If you can think of a counter argument, it is a strong statement

• Should display why your topic is important

• Include a time frame and a brief description of your topic

A thesis statement is not a statement of fact but instead a statement of an argument.

•Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

This is not a strong thesis statement. While it is specific, it is not opinionated and does not

show any significance to the greater historical narrative.

•Abraham Lincoln was the greatest president in history!

This is also not a strong thesis statement. It certainly is opinionated, someone could argue that

Lincoln was not a great president much less the greatest in history, but it is not specific and like the

example above does not show the significance of Lincoln’s presidency.

•In 1863 Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order known as the Emancipation Proclamation,

which he hoped would settle tensions surrounding slavery and unite the Union, instead the

Emancipation Proclamation further divided the nation.

For a research paper it should be at the end of your introduction paragraph, for a performance and

documentary it could be after your opening statement, for an exhibit it could be placed on the page

following the home screen, for an exhibit it could be centrally located on your board.

24

NAME:_________________________________________________________ Use this worksheet to help you select a topic for this year’s National History Day theme of Triumph and Tragedy. This sheet must be completed, TYPED, and turned in by _______. Make sure you consult the evaluation rubric at the end of the document and self-assess before you submit. My broad or general area of interest is … My narrow topic idea is … **This topic applies to the History Day theme of “Triumph and Tragedy” because … This topic is connected to Illinois history because … I am interested in this topic because … Some key words, people, places, and dates related to my topic that I will use to search for information are … Some initial “What”, “How” and “Why” questions I have about my topic are … Some primary sources that I will try to find include …

IHD and NHD Topic Selection

Sheet Individual

25

Some resources that I have already found include (in proper form) … Some places that I will try to contact for information include … Some specific people that I can contact for information or assistance include … I am going to develop the following organizational system for my project … I am thinking about selecting the following category for my project (this may change): Paper Documentary Performance Exhibit Website

I will remain positive in the research process by … Am I in it to win it, or am I just trying to survive this project … or somewhere in between … Any questions for my teacher?

26

Illinois History Day Topic Selection Sheet Project Name: Student Name: ____________________________________________________________________ TEACHER COMMENTS AND EVALUATION Topic Selection Evaluation

Ugh Okay … Nice job! Oh yeah!! Little to no thought or effort put into selection of written responses Incomplete or missing responses You are nowhere near ready to research Selection sheet turned in very late Individual contract not turned in You aren’t taking this project very seriously

Some effort is obvious, but more thought and effort is necessary’ Responses are sparse and basic There is still a little work to do in order to get ready for research Selection sheet turned in late Individual contract not turned in

Solid effort put forth in most responses Responses are complete, with one or two needing more information You are ready to start researching their topic Selection sheet turned in on time Individual contract turned in

Excellent effort is obvious in all responses You are already ahead of the game in researching your topic Selection sheet turned in ahead of due date Individual contract turned in You mean business on the project!

27

Illinois History Day Topic

Selection Sheet Group

NAMES: _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Use this worksheet to help you select a topic for this year’s National History Day theme of Triumph and Tragedy. This sheet must be completed, TYPED, and turned in by [DATE]. Make sure you consult the evaluation rubric at the end of the document and self-assess before you submit. Our broad or general area of interest is … Our narrow topic idea is … **This topic applies to the History Day theme of “Triumph and Tragedy” because … This topic is connected to Illinois history because … We are interested in this topic because … Some key words, people, places, and dates related to my topic that we will use to search for information are … Some initial “What”, “How” and “Why” questions we have about my topic are … Some primary sources that we will try to find include … Some resources that we have already found include (in proper form) …

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Some places that we will try to contact for information include … Some people that we can contact for information or assistance include … We are going to develop the following organizational system for our project … We are thinking about selecting the following category for my project (this may change):

Documentary Performance Exhibit Website We will remain positive in the research process by … Are we in it to win it, or are we just trying to survive this project … or somewhere in between … Any questions for our teacher?

29

Illinois History Day Topic Selection Sheet Group Project Name: Student Names: _____________________________________________________________________ TEACHER COMMENTS AND EVALUATION

Topic Selection Evaluation

Ugh Okay … Nice job! Oh yeah!! Little to no thought or effort put into selection of written responses Incomplete or missing responses The group is nowhere near ready to research Selection sheet turned in very late Group contract not turned in You aren’t taking this project very seriously

Some effort is obvious, but more thought and effort is necessary’ Responses are sparse and basic There is still a little work to do in order to get ready for research Selection sheet turned in late Group contract not turned in

Solid effort put forth in responses Responses are complete, with one or two needing more information The group is ready to start researching their topic Selection sheet turned in on time Group contract turned in

Excellent effort is obvious in all responses The group is already ahead of the game in researching their topic Selection sheet turned in ahead of due date Group contract turned in You mean business on the project!

30

My Illinois History Day Topic

My teacher has the following restrictions: _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ My/Our favorite general topics in history are:

1. ___________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________ My/our area of interest is: _______________________________________________________________ My/our favorite topic in Illinois history is: ___________________________________________________ Possible Illinois History Day topics are:

1. ___________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________

My/our library or teacher has the following books relating to the topic:

1. ___________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________________________________________ I/we can visit this library or museum to find out more:

1. ___________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________

Name: ___________________________

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THESIS DEVELOPMENT

TOPIC: ______________________________________________________________________

WHO: Who was involved? Who was affected?

______________________________________________________________________________

WHAT: What happened? What was the main event?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

WHERE: Where was/were the place(s) it took place?

______________________________________________________________________________

WHEN: When did it happen? How long of a time period was it?

______________________________________________________________________________

WHY: Why is it important? What were outcomes?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Summarize the 5W’s above

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

So what? How did your topic change history?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Pull it all together into a thesis statement.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

32

Topic Selection Worksheet Instructions: Use this worksheet to help you select a topic for this year’s Illinois History Day. Name(s) of individual(s) involved in this entry: _______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ **This year’s NHD theme: _______________________________________________________________ My/our general area of interest: __________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Preliminary topic idea: __________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Issues/questions to be explored in my/our research: __________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Working title (and subtitle if appropriate): __________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Thesis Statement (my/our project will examine, compare, discuss, show, etc.): _____________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ **Does not apply to Illinois History Day-only projects.

This year’s History Day theme is ____________________________________________________________

1. I think my topic will be ____________________________________________________________________

2. I am interested in this topic because __________________________________________________________

3. This topic relates to the theme’s key concept:

Triumph and Tragedy ______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

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Research/Citations

When creating their projects, students can use either MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers

or Turabian's A Manual of Style for Writers of Term Papers. Either style is acceptable, as long as

usage is consistent throughout. Students are required to use foot or endnotes instead of parenthetical

citations, no matter the writing style.

There is a difference in how a source is cited in the footnotes/endnotes and the bibliography in the

Turabian Manual of Style.

The first line of a foot/endnote citation will be tabbed in one space when using Turabian. Do not

forget to include the page numbers you used in your foot or endnotes!

Books:

A footnote for a single author book will look like this:

1. Jean H. Baker, Mary Todd Lincoln: A Biography, (New York: W.W. Norton &

Company, 1987), 114-117.

If you cite this book again, you will shorten it like this, again, it is tabbed in one space:

12. Baker, Mary Todd Lincoln, 157-158.

When it comes to citing it in the bibliography, it will look like this, anything after the first line

will have a hanging indent:

Baker, Jean H. Mary Todd Lincoln: A Biography. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1987.

An annotated bibliography will give two or three sentences about why and/or how this sources

was useful. Bibliographies should be sorted into primary and secondary sources, if a source

qualifies as both, it can only be placed in one column and that decision should be justified in the

annotation:

Baker, Jean H. Mary Todd Lincoln: A Biography. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1987.

This book gave me information on what Mary Todd Lincoln did in her daily life in

Springfield. It looked beyond her marriage to Abraham Lincoln.

««««««»»»»»»

34

Here are some examples of other types of sources you may use:

Journal Article: Footnote

1. Wayne C. Temple, “Mary Todd Lincoln’s Travels,” Journal of the Illinois State Historical

Society, 52, no. 1 (Spring 1959): 185.

Bibliography

Temple, Wayne C. “Mary Todd Lincoln’s Travels.” Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, 52,

no. 1 (Spring 1959): 180-194.

Website: Footnote

1. “Mary Todd Lincoln Biography.com,” The Biography.com website, accessed July 10, 2017 https://www.biography.com/people/mary-todd-lincoln-248868

Bibliography

Biography.com Editors. “Mary Todd Lincoln Biography.com.” The Biography.com website. Accessed July, 10, 2017.

Newspapers: Footnote

1. Michael E. Ruane, “Mary Todd Lincoln’s demons blamed on vitamin B-12 deficiency,” Washington Post, July 5, 2016, accessed August 3, 2017, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-mary-todd-lincoln-vitamin-b-12-deficiency-20160705-story.html.

Bibliography

Ruane, Michael. “Mary Todd Lincoln’s demons blamed on vitamin B-12 deficiency.” Washington Post, July 5, 2016. Accessed August 3, 2017. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-mary-todd-lincoln-vitamin-b-12-deficiency-20160705-story.html.

Video: Footnote

1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, “Mary Lincoln’s Strawberry Dress”

(video), April 21, 2011, accessed August 4, 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56XJWqRjY8s.

Bibliography

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “Mary Lincoln’s Strawberry Dress” (video). April

21, 2011. Accessed August 4, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56XJWqRjY8s.

35

Photograph:

Footnote

1. Mathew B. Brady, Mary Todd Lincoln, 1861, Library of Congress.

Bibliography

Brady, Mathew B. Mary Todd Lincoln. 1861. Library of Congress.

Oral History:

If you conduct an oral history interview for your project it MUST be cited in your

foot/endnotes (if your project type requires them) and bibliography.

Footnote

1. Janet Smith, interview by author(s), Springfield, July 21, 2017.

Bibliography

Smith, Janet. Interview with author(s). Springfield. July 21, 2017.

If you are doing a group project and not everyone participates in the interview process, list the

names of those who conducted the interview.

If you are using a citation generator, either through the internet or whichever word processor you are

using, be sure to check that all the information required in included. Sometimes these generators do

ask for all necessary information.

For more tips on how

to cite sources in your

footnotes or endnotes

and bibliography,

click the link for the

manual you and your

teacher have agreed to

use.

http://www.press.uchicago.edu/

books/turabian/turabian_citatio

nguide.html

https://owl.english.purdue.

edu/owl/resource/747/01/

http://www.press.uchicago.edu/books/turabian/turabian_citationguide.html

36

BEST

PRACTICES

37


Best Practices: Research Paper

Research papers are solely textual and are a popular project type. Research papers allow more room

for discussion and interpretation. It is similar to a paper you may write for school. Research papers

can only be submitted by individuals and require a computer to type up the project.

Basics

• Submission: Individual

• Word Count: 1,500-2,500

• Annotated Bibliography: Required

o Citation Style: MLA or

Turabian

o Footnotes or endnotes required

• Summary Statement Form: Not

required

o A separate page with the thesis

statement and outline of the

paper is required in place of the

Summary Statement Form

Things to Consider

• Do you like to work alone?

• Does your topic work in a non-visual medium?

• Which citation style do you prefer? MLA? Turabian?

o Remember both styles are required to use footnotes.

If you really like your topic and have a lot to say about it or like working alone, consider the Research

Paper. While it is text-only, research papers allow more room for you to discuss your topic and prove

your thesis statement. If you write a research paper, you will be required to use either MLA Handbook

for Writers of Research Papers or Turabian's A Manual of Style for Writers of Term Papers when

constructing your paper. Regardless of citation handbook, usage must be consistent throughout. You

will also be required to use footnote or endnote citations rather than parenthetical or in-text citations,

as well as attach an annotated bibliography of all the sources cited in your paper.

38

Example Thesis Statement and Outline

Thesis Statement: Mary Todd Lincoln is often depicted as a possessive and shrewd woman disliked

by all. But Mary Todd Lincoln’s presence in Washington D.C. during the Civil War brought balance

and comfort to those who served their nation at the time.

Your outline can look like this

I. Before the war

II. Aid in the White House

III. Hospital camps

IV. Friends and Family

V. After the war

OR look like this

I. Before the war

a. Life in Lexington

b. Life in Springfield

II. Aid in the White House

a. Lincoln’s Presidency

III. Hospital camps

a. Letter Writing

b. Bedside Companion

c. Nursing

IV. Friends and Family

a. Cabinet

V. After the war

39


Best Practices: Research Paper

Example Title Page

Title

Student’s Name

School

City, Illinois

Division

Word Count

NHD Status: Yes or No

40


Best Practices: Exhibit

Exhibit is the most popular of the project types. Exhibits are both a textual and visual medium. The

objective of the exhibit is to state your argument in a concise and direct manner. Photographs, labels,

and captions should be used to enhance your argument, they can also be interactive (within reason)

with music, videos, or flip panels.

Basics

• Submission: Individual or group (2-5 students)

• Word Count: 2000 student-composed words


o Citation Style: MLA or Turabian

• Summary Statement Form: Required

Things to Consider

• Will you have enough material to cover your board?

• Can you condense your argument into 500 words?

• Does your exhibit fit the allotted dimensions?

o Projects can be no larger than 40 in. wide, 30 in. deep, and 6 ft. high.

• Is your font size and type readable from a distance?

• Do you know how to visually organize your argument?

An exhibit is a visual representation of your topic. You will be required to submit a summary

statement form and an annotated bibliography following either the MLA Handbook for Writers of

Research Papers or the Turabian's A Manual of Style for Writers of Term Papers for your

bibliographic form. Your thesis statement should be in a central location on your board. This will

enable judges to immediately determine what your project is about.

41


Best Practices: Exhibit

The suggested word count maximum for exhibits is 2000 student-composed words. Brief citations

and direct quotations do not count against the student-composed word count. Dates count as one

word. See below for examples of how to count words:

When accompanying a photograph, a citation (which is required) does not count toward your word

count but a caption does.

• “Mary Todd Lincoln, 1861, Library of Congress” a citation, would not add to the word count.

• “Mary Todd Lincoln supported the Union despite her connections to Kentucky” a caption, would

add 11 words to your count.

What’s on the Exhibit Board Number of Student-Composed

Words Explanation

Mary Todd Lincoln was a controversial first lady…

8 These are all student composed

words

On November 4, 1842 Mary and Abraham were married…

7 The date counts as one word

When Mary Lincoln wrote “…I am so fond of sightseeing” in a

letter to her husband… 10

Direct quotations from primary and secondary sources do not count as student-composed

words

“Four score and seven years ago, our father brought forth…”

Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863

0

Direct quotations from primary and secondary sources and brief, factual credits do not count as student-composed

words

42


Best Practices: Performance

Performance is the live interpretation of a topic. Performances are student-created production; the script

to costumes to props is up to the creator(s). While the performance category allows for more creativity

in how the content is conveyed, it must still be historically accurate. Performances require the most

public speaking, if you get stage fright this project type is not for you.

Basics


• Time Limit: 10 minutes


o Citation Style: MLA or Turabian


Things to Consider

• Do you have enough material to fill ten minutes?

o If you have a lot of sources, are you able to cut it down to ten minutes without

sacrificing your thesis statement?

• Do you get stage fright?

• Can you tell your story in first person?

• Can you set up and deconstruct your set (if you have one) in 5 minutes?

Performances do not need to be elaborate, full-set productions. Use props and media only when it is

key to the “plot” of your historic event. Your script should do most of the heavy lifting when it comes

to the research you have done on your topic. Simplicity is often key to a History Day performance.

Be sure to leave plenty of time to rehearse and revise your script as well as time for collecting necessary

costumes and props.

43

Below are several examples of successful NHD performances:

Junior Group

Title IX: Bat “Her” Up

Margaret Murphey and Gabrielle Every from Wisconsin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajUfTgB4r14

Junior Individual

Black, White, and Blue: Vivien Thomas and the Cure for Blue Baby Syndrome

Jasmine Hughley from Georgia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCze9k5ZSr4

Senior Group

Solidarity: The Polish People Take a Stand for Freedom

Sydney Fox, Allison Hodge, and Matthew Clark from California

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2ECCt5Wsl0

Senior Individual

Beyond the Boundaries of Barbed Wire: Japanese Americans in a Stand for Racial Justice

Faith Nishimura from California

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHkfg8kw9lE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajUfTgB4r14

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCze9k5ZSr4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2ECCt5Wsl0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHkfg8kw9lE

44


Best Practices: Documentary

Documentary is a growing category that uses a lot of different primary sources. Documentaries rely

heavily on visual sources like photographs and film clips. Interviews with experts or someone who

was part of the chosen topic is highly encouraged. Creating a documentary requires access to a

computer, editing software, and recording equipment.

Basics

• Submission: Individual or group (2-5

students)

• Time Limit: 10 minutes

o Credits are required and count toward

the 10 minute limit

• Citation Style: MLA or Turabian

o Annotated bibliography required


Things to Consider

• Do you have enough material to fill ten

minutes?

o If you have a lot of sources, are you able to cut it down to ten minutes without

sacrificing your thesis statement?

• A majority of the content (no less than 7 minutes) should be students generated and narrated.

The use of pre-existing interviews and video clips is allowed, but note that one minute is 10%

of the total screening time.

Live narration is not allowed for NHD eligible documentaries. If you have created a PowerPoint

documentary, create a timed slideshow and record the narration on a separate device that can run

simultaneously.

While laptops and monitors are provided at the regional and state competitions, sometimes

technology goes awry. Bring at least one method of playing your documentary (laptop, tablet, etc.) in

case something goes wrong as well as a back-up copy of your project (flashdrive, DVD, etc)web.

Credits are required at the end of documentaries. These should be acknowledgements of where you

got your sources, not a full citation; that goes in the Annotated Bibliography.

45

Below are several examples of successful NHD documentaries:

Junior Group

The Americans are Very Strong

Molly McLaughlin and Olivia Romig from Kansas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnLL8b11hxk

Junior Individual

The 1971 FBI Burglary: Taking a Stand Against Illegal Government Surveillance

August Butterworth from Minnesota

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSZAr30vLhs

Senior Group

Standing with the Voiceless: The Life and Legacy of Archbishop Oscar Romero

Venka Panabakam, Sidra Nadeem, and Denise Martinez from Arkansas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_bNY1qCN48

Senior Individual

Schoolhouse Speech: Taking a Stand in Tinker v. Des Moines

Ivan Kavanaugh from Massachusetts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_gu2q2jXoA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnLL8b11hxk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSZAr30vLhs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_bNY1qCN48

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_gu2q2jXoA

46


Best Practices: Website

Websites is a rapidly growing category and combine the visual aspect of exhibits and the room for

argument of a research paper. There is a lot of flexibility in form and the use of multimedia (pictures,

audio, video, etc.) is encouraged. Websites can be created by a group or an individual. A computer

with a connection to the internet is required for this project type. For the Weebly Builder, go here:


Basics


• Word Count: 1,200

• Citation Style: MLA or Turabian

o Annotated bibliography required

• Summary Statement Form: Yes

o Both the Summary Statement Form and

the annotated bibliography should be

embedded within the website.

• All websites must use the Weebly Builder

o https://nhd.weebly.com/

Things to Consider

• Do you like to work with computers?

• Do you know how to visually organize your argument?

The word count for websites is 1,200 visible words. Required factual credits on photographs and

charts do not count toward the word count, neither does the Summary Statement Form, the annotated

bibliography, menus, titles, navigation instructions, nor required content on the home page.

Students are required to build their websites through the NHD Weebly builder, even if they are not

competing at the NHD level, this puts website creation on a level playing field, and we are able to

lock the websites so they cannot be edited while judging is taking place.
